As Riley led the men out, he spotted Campbell at the corner of the bar.
“Were you involved in this too?” Riley asked.
“Nope. Just enjoyed watching the fight,” Campbell said in his raspy voice, smiling. “I was hoping the Fergusons got their asses kicked to Timbuktu.”
“I bet you were. How about you coming to the station and telling us what happened? I doubt anyone involved in the fist-swinging will give a coherent answer.” Riley snorted as they walked out.
“Sure, be right down there,” Campbell said.
After Riley talked with all the individuals that were arrested, none really making much sense, they were charged with disorderly conduct and given a one hundred and eighty-five dollar bond.
Campbell came into the sheriff’s office and explained what he’d witnessed.
“This Rod guy, he’s a mean sucker. You don’t want to cross him as he’ll punch your lights out. Anyway, he was playing pool with his gang, and the Ferguson boys wanted to shoot pool and put their change by the money machine to play, and you don’t do that with Rod. He’ll take your money and toss it across the room, and that’s exactly what he did. The Ferguson boys came up to him and said, ‘We put the money there because we want to shoot a game of pool,’ and this Rod guy said, ‘Fuck you, you’ll get the pool table when I’m good and ready to give it up.’ The one Ferguson boy said something about ‘you don’t talk to me that way’ and Rod said, ‘Oh yeah? Just what the fuck do you intend to do about it?’ The Ferguson kid brought his fist up and nailed Rod in the jaw, and that was when the Ferguson group got into it with Rod and his gang. There were four in the Ferguson group, to six of Rod’s group. That Rod guy, he got a couple of good punches in at Ferguson—the one that’s always talking to us when you have to come out to Red Rock River, you know which one I mean.”
“Joe Ferguson?” Riley asked.
“Yeah, him,” Campbell said.
“We had to take some guys to the emergency room for minor injuries,” Riley noted. “Okay, Campbell, thanks for the information about what happened. You can go now.”
“Will this keep them in jail for a while?”
“Until they post their bail. They’ll probably be back on the streets in a couple of hours.”
“Damn, I was hoping we could put them in for a while.”
“If it escalates, we’ll see what we can do.” Riley gave Campbell a thin smile as Campbell stood up to leave.
What a freaking mess. How the hell was he going to get these guys out of town? If it escalated, someone could get hurt or even killed. They could handle Rod and his gang. They traveled all over to different bars. They rarely caused any fights. But the Ferguson boys were just plain trouble. He needed to find a way to get rid of them.
* * * *
The next morning Marissa met Heidi and her kids outside the Mill Creek Restaurant, and they walked in. The place was packed, and Mrs. Buell served as hostess. “How many will be at your table?” she asked.
“There will be eight of us,” Marissa said. “I wonder if Riley’s here yet.”
“No, I haven’t seen him,” she said as she led them to a table.
“Thanks, Mrs. Buell.”
Mrs. Buell smiled and walked away.
Another senior lady came and asked what everyone wanted to drink. She brought back the kids’ milk and two cups of coffee for Heidi and Marissa.
“Marissa, the kids are going to spend the night at their grandparents. Let’s have dinner, then go to the Ramblin’ Rose pub for a few drinks and shoot pool?”
“I’m not into the bar scene, Heidi.”
“Oh, it’ll be fun, and we gals deserve some fun. Come on, where’s your sense of adventure? It’s rare that I get an evening to myself. My ex’s parents have been complaining they don’t get to see the kids. So rather than depend on the kids’ father to make arrangements, I called them myself, and they were delighted to have them for the night.”
A few minutes later, Riley walked in the door. Marissa watched as he spoke to Mrs. Buell and she directed him to their table. He walked up and sat down.
The kids all looked up at him and said, “Hi, Sheriff.”
He smiled and said “Hi” back and then leaned over and kissed Marissa lightly on the cheek. Marissa knew her face went beet red at the gesture. She looked over at Heidi, who had a slight smile on her face. One of the elderly ladies brought Riley a cup of coffee.
“How did things go last night at the Coyote Bar?” Marissa asked.
“It was a damn free-for-all. It seemed as if everyone was punching everyone out. But it turned out just to be a fight between the chopper gang and the Ferguson gang. I didn’t get out of the station until three this morning.”
She looked him over and noted his voice sounded tired. “You look kind of tired,” Marissa commented.
“Was my ex involved in the fight?” Heidi asked.
“No. I didn’t see him around,” Riley answered.
“Who are the chopper gang, and what was the fight about?” Marissa asked.
“The chopper gang is a group of men with motorcycles. Rod, Casey’s significant other, is the leader of the group. Apparently, they were playing pool, and the Ferguson gang wanted to play, and you don’t want to mess around with the chopper gang. Joe Ferguson took a swing at Rod, and all hell broke loose. None of them were sober either, and I had to have Campbell come down to the station and tell us what happened.”
The waitress interrupted for a few minutes, delivering the plates with the waffles on them.
“Was he involved in the fight too?” Marissa asked as she took a bite of her strawberry waffle.
“No. He was enjoying the fight, but not in it. By the way, our discussion about Casey?”
“Yes?” Marissa looked at Riley.
“Was spot on. But she’s very reluctant to do anything about it.”
“She doesn’t have the support needed to get out from under it,” Marissa said.
Riley poured some syrup on his waffles and took a bite. “These waffles are quite tasty.”
“They are good, especially with the strawberries on them,” Marissa said.
“So, what do you ladies have planned today?”
“Duncan’s Outfitters is having a big sale on summer clothing, so I’m taking the kids there to get them some summer wear. Do you want to come with me, Marissa?”
“You know, that sounds like a good idea. I need to get a few pairs of shorts.”
“Okay,” Heidi said. She looked over at Riley and asked, “What are you doing today, Riley?”
“I promised to help Jack with a home improvement job.”
“Well, that’s too bad. You can go shopping with us!” Heidi quipped. She glanced at Marissa and winked.
Riley gave Heidi an it-ain’t-gonna-happen look. “I’d rather help with the home improvement.”
“It would have given you more time with Marissa.” Heidi laughed.
Marissa gave Heidi a pointed look.
“I can find other ways to spend time with Marissa. Shopping isn’t one of them,” Riley said.
“Will you two stop?” Marissa asked.
“What?” Heidi gave Marissa an I’m-trying-to-help look.
“What are you doing tonight?” Riley asked Marissa.
Before she could answer, Heidi spoke up. “We’re going to the Ramblin’ Rose tonight to hang loose. Why don’t you come by when you’re finished with your home improvement job?”
Riley looked at Heidi and then at Marissa with a slight grin on his face. “Yeah, I might stop by.”
After they finished eating and paid their donations, they left the restaurant.
“Maybe I’ll see you tonight,” Riley said in quiet emphasis.
“Yeah, maybe.” She smiled slightly at him.
They said their goodbyes and Riley strolled off to his truck, while Marissa, Heidi, and her kids walked to Duncan’s Outfitters.
“First off, Heidi, I don’t need you to try to put me and Riley tog
ether, and secondly, I did not agree to go to the Ramblin’ Rose with you tonight.”
“Well, I was just trying to find out what he was doing and open an opportunity for you guys to spend time together.”
“I know, and I don’t need any help in that department.”
“Aww, I think you guys look cute together.”
“Heidi!” Marissa stopped dead on the sidewalk, stomped her foot, and rolled her eyes. “You tricked me into going to that bar tonight. I ought to not show up.”
“Oh, you wouldn’t do that to a friend. Besides, we could both use a night out. Okay, let’s do some shopping,” Heidi said as they walked into the store.
Chapter 15
Riley and Jack walked into the Ramblin’ Rose Saloon and went to the bar area and sat on the bar stools. Jack was the only one who didn’t tease Riley mercilessly about his date night with MaryLou, although he had that secretive smile on his face as if he knew what was going on.
They ordered their beer, and Riley heard female laughter coming from the other end of the saloon. He looked around the bar until he spotted Marissa, with Heidi and Barb, sitting at a table in the corner, laughing and looking as if they were having a good time. The waitress went by their area, took their order, and came to the counter.
Riley asked the waitress, “What are they drinking?”
“They ordered whiskey, straight up.”
Riley blinked his eyes. “They what?”
“If you ask me, they’re getting snockered. This is the fourth round.” She gestured with a thumb toward them.
“Well, put this round on my tab, and I’ll make sure they get home safely.”
“Okey-dokey.”
When the waitress took the drinks to them, they looked up at her and then Marissa looked over to where Riley was seated. She held her shot glass up and saluted him. The girls drank the whiskey down in one swallow.
* * * *
Melody and Casey walked up to the women and asked, “Can we join you?”
“Why do you want to join us? ’Cause we’re having fun and you’re not?” The corner of Heidi’s mouth quirked up.
“Just thought we’d join you and have fun too,” Melody answered, sticking her nose in the air.
“Our kind of fun might not be agreeable to you,” Heidi said, her voice getting a little louder.
“What is your kind of fun?” Melody thrust out her chest.
“Well, it doesn’t involve gossiping or hurting other people,” Marissa retorted. “Besides, I don’t think you can fit your butt in this booth, can you?”
Heidi and Barb broke out laughing. “That was a good one, Marissa. Whoo-hoo!”
Even though Marissa was getting quite drunk, she immediately felt bad for the snide remark and said, “I’m sorry, Melody. You two can join us if you want. I’m just a bit inebriated.”
“Excuse us. We have better tables to go to than this one.” Melody’s voice was laced with sarcasm, and she trotted off.
Casey looked over at Marissa with a sad smile, dropped her gaze, and followed Melody.
“I honestly don’t know how those two ever stayed friends,” Barb said.
Marissa glanced at Melody and Casey as they sat down with another group. Casey sat there gloomily, watching everyone.
“I can’t believe I said what I said!” Marissa pressed her lips together.
Soon, Heidi, Marissa, and Barb were on their fifth, then their sixth drinks. They went to the jukebox, and made a few selections. They stayed at the jukebox, swaying to the music and singing along.
* * * *
Riley sat back on the bar stool and watched Marissa as she danced and swayed to the music. He smiled as he enjoyed the view and seeing her have fun. The top she had on came down low in front, and a little of her cleavage was showing. As she swayed to the music, Riley looked around and realized that all the other men in the bar were also appreciating her chest.
“Aw, hell no,” Riley muttered under his breath. He got up and walked over to Marissa. “Hey, Marissa, you want to dance?”
“Yes!” she replied enthusiastically.
It was evidence to Riley that she was drunk, and after the first dance, he tried to convinced her to leave. “Come on, Marissa, let’s get you home.”
“But I’m just getting started!” she protested. “Can I wear your hat?”
Confused, Riley looked at her. Oh boy, here we go again, I can just imagine what the guys will tease me about now. “Wear my hat?”
“Yeah.” She grabbed Riley’s Stetson off his head and put it on her head. She was still dancing, but Riley was standing still. He had visions of another MaryLou moment.
“Marissa, believe me, you want to walk off this dance floor with me, otherwise, people will talk, and the gossip tomorrow will be embarrassing for you.”
“I don’t care if they gossip about me.” Marissa slurred her words. “If you’re worried about your own reputation, you ought to leave me alone.”
“Hey, Marissa, can’t you dance any better than that?” Melody cracked snidely from her table.
“See what I mean? Let’s go, Marissa,” Riley said.
“I don’t care what that fat cow says.”
“You will tomorrow. Let’s go. Either you come willingly, or I’ll carry you out. Which will it be?”
“You can’t tell me what to do. I won’t allow that in my life ever again.” Marissa started to get loud and defensive. Riley knew at once that he’d handled the situation all wrong...again.
Heidi came up to them. “Hey folks, everyone is staring at you. Let’s walk over here and have this little discussion in the corner.” Heidi grabbed Marissa’s hand and tugged her back toward their table with Riley following them. Marissa sat down in a chair.
“Heidi, you guys have had too much to drink, and Marissa isn’t used to it. I’m going to take her home now,” Riley said.
“Well, let me get her out of the bar without creating a scene. Come on, Marissa. Let’s go outside and cool off for a few minutes,” Heidi said and grabbed her hand to pull her up.
“How are you and Barb getting home?” Riley asked.
“We’re walking.” Heidi glanced back at Riley.
Once outside, Riley said, “Okay, let’s go, Marissa.”
“No. I’m not ready to leave, and you don’t get to tell me what to do.”
Riley put his hands around Marissa’s waist, and lifted her, swinging her up over his shoulder. “We’re leaving now.”
Marissa was resistant. She kept wiggling, trying to get off Riley’s shoulder, but he held tight. When they reached his truck, he opened the passenger door and sat her down on the seat. He locked the door and walked around to the driver’s side and got in.
“You are so going to get it tomorrow.” Marissa cast him an angry glance.
“I’ll deal with it tomorrow. Right now we have to get you home.” Riley pulled the truck out of the parking spot and onto the main road.
“I think I’m gonna puke.”
“Not in my truck.” Riley slammed on the brakes, stopped the vehicle, and was out in a flash. He came around and opened the passenger door.
Marissa stepped out and almost fell. Riley stepped behind her and grabbed her around the waist to hold her up as she leaned over and puked. Riley turned his head the other way. He thought he was going to puke just watching her. What a fucking mess.
After she finished, she looked up at Riley and said in an unsteady voice, “I think I can make it home now.”
He helped her back into the truck and made a quick drive to her house, in case she had to puke again.
He pulled into her driveway, and she opened the door and stumbled out before Riley could get over to her. She fell into the tumbleweeds, thorns, burrs, and thickets. Aw, fucking great.
He pulled her up out of the weeds and pulled off the tumbleweeds. “You’re a mess now, sweetheart.”
“They hurt!” Marissa shrieked.
“I know,” Riley countered.
He walke
d her up to the porch. “Where’s your key?”
“In my pocket.”
“Can you get it out?”
“Why?”
“So we can get into your house.”
“Oh. Okay.”
Marissa fumbled around in her pockets for a minute, then finally pulled out a key ring. Riley it from her and opened the door to her house. He helped her in, and some of the thickets and burrs stuck to him.
He walked her into her bedroom and helped her undress. He pulled her top over her head. He reached around behind her to unhook her bra, then he hesitated. He considered leaving it on, but it looked highly uncomfortable. Bringing his gaze back to her face, he unhooked the bra and pulled it down her arms. He wanted to lower his gaze and sneak a peek, but he resisted.
“Stand up, Marissa,” Riley said.
“Why?” she asked.
“So I can undo your jeans and pull them down.”
“Oh.”
She stood up as he undid her button and her zipper. Something on her side caught his attention, but he ignored it as he continued with his task. He slid her jeans off and tossed them to the side. She leaned over to get her nightie, and he saw a huge scar that ran from her back around to her front. He opened his mouth to ask her how she got it, but then decided not to say anything about it. He studied her more closely. There were old, faded scars on her back, her face, and her neck he had never noticed before. She must wear makeup and clothing to cover them. That confirmed to him that she had been the victim of abuse, and he was going to find out what had happened to her.
By the time her head hit the pillow, she was out. He laid her key ring on the dining room table and quietly left. He couldn’t believe the scars. What sick bastard would do that to another human being?
* * * *
Sunday morning, Marissa slowly opened her eyes. When she moved, the room spun around her. She laid in the bed trying to figure out what had happened. It hurt to think and try to remember. The last thing she remembered was dancing with Riley.
How the hell did she get home? She looked around and noticed her clothes in a pile near her dresser. She groped for the side of the bed and pulled herself up. Each movement brought on a hammered pain in her head. She got herself out to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. She ran into the bathroom and puked, then grabbed some aspirins and water to get rid of the pounding between her eyes. She looked up at the clock in the kitchen. It was nine AM. She never slept in that late.
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